10 Spectacular Sea Stacks – Touropia Travel Experts 10 Spectacular Sea Stacks Last updated on November 10, 2016 in Landscapes 4 Comments Sea stacks are amazing vertical rock formations standing in the sea that were formed entirely by wind and water. The formation process usually begins when the sea creates cracks in the headland, causing them to later collapse, and forming free-standing stacks. Eventually, the same process that created the sea stacks will also cause them to collapse. 10Old Harry Rocks flickr/ Joe Dunckley The Old Harry Rocks are two chalk stacks located on the Dorset coast in the south of England. The rocks mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs here are mainly made up of chalk, with some bands of flint within them. The sea stacks are continuously being eroded by the sea and are therefore an ever-changing feature. In the 18th century, people could still walk from the mainland to Old Harry, which is the stack at the end nearest to the sea. 9Lange Anna flickr/ Dirk Vorderstrasse The Lange Anna is a famous landmark of the small German island Heligoland, located in the north sea.

The island used to be much larger but the waves slowly removed most of the rocks above sea level. The waves created beautiful formations such as caves and narrow peninsulas with arches at the bottom. When such an arch collapsed a sea stack remained. The 47 meter (154 feet) high is the result of the collapse of a natural arch in 1868. In the spring the rock is covered by sea birds who come to the rock to breed. 8Sail Rock wikipedia/ Sergey S. Dukachev Parus Rock (or Sail Rock), is a large sandstone stack located on the shore of the Black Sea in Russia . The proportions of the rock are quit remarkable. While the sea stack is only a little more than a meter thick, it is about 25 meters (82 feet) high and about 20 meters (66 feet) in length. The form of the rock is therefore often described as resembling the outline of a ship’s sail, hence its nickname. Just above the ground the rock has a hole, presumably created by artillery fire during the Caucasian War.

7Kicker Rock flickr/ Julian Rotela Rosow Kicker Rock, also called the Sleeping Lion, or León Dormido, is a rocky formation and popular dive destination on the western side of Isla San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago. The rock represents the remains of a lava cone, now split in two. There is a mild current that passes through the two rocks, which attracts hammerhead and Galápagos sharks. Kicker Rock is also home to a large colony of sea birds. 6Bako Sea Stack flickr/ Christina Gallivan The Bako National Park is located in Sarawak, a state of eastern Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Millions of years of erosion of the sandstone have created a coastline of steep cliffs, spectacular sea cliffs and stretches of sandy bays. The most well-known landmark of Bako National Park is the sea stack in front of the beautiful beach of Pandan Kecil, that resembles a cobra head coming out of the water. The park is also home to the highly endangered proboscis monkey known for their big noses.

5Haystack Rock flickr/ AlleyesonJenny Haystack Rock is a 72 meter (235 foot) tall sea stack located on Cannon Beach in the state of Oregon . The rock is home to many birds, including tufted puffins, gulls, and cormorants. It is a popular tourist destination and accessible by foot during low tide. Each year, many people become temporarily trapped on Haystack Rock when high tide engulfs the rock in water. 4Ko Tapu flickr/ Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bez Ko Tapu (Nail Island) is a 20 meter (66 foot) tall sea stack located in the Phang Nga Bay, Thailand . Ko Tapu has become a popular tourist attraction since it was featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974. For this reason, it is also often referred to as James Bond Island. In 1997, James Bond returned to Phang Nga Bay in the movie Tomorrow Never Dies.

3Risin og Kellingin flickr/ arne.list Risin og Kellingin are two sea stacks just off the northern coast of the island of Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands. The name Risin og Kellingin means The Giant and the Witch and refers to an old legend about their origins. The giant is the 71 meter (233 foot) tall stack further from the coast, and the witch (Kellingin) is the 68 meter (223 foot) tall stack nearest to the land. Gologists predict that Kellingin, which currently stands on two legs, will fall into the sea sometime in the next few decades during the winter storms. 2Old Man of Hoy flickr/ Paul Stephenson The Old Man of Hoy is a 137 meters (449 feet) high sea stack of red sandstone on the west coast of the island of Hoy, in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. On maps drawn between 1600 and 1750 the area appears as a headland with no sea stacks so the Old Man is probably less than 400 years old.

It may not get much older, as there are indications that it may soon collapse. The sea stack is a popular rock climbing destination and was first climbed in 1966. 1The Twelve Apostles flickr/ M Kuhn The Twelve Apostles are large limestone stacks which were formed as a result of erosion by rain, winds and wild seas. They are located along the spectacular Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Despite their biblical name there are only eight apostles in the twelve apostles formation. Most recently a 50 meter (164 feet) tall apostle collapsed in 2005. Little Penguins can be found nesting in the caves below the Twelve Apostles. Related Travel Lists 1000+ images about Old Man of Hoy on Pinterest | Old mans, Scotland and The old Pinterest • The world’s catalog of ideas Old Man of Hoy The Old Man of Hoy is a 449-foot sea stack on the island of Hoy, part of the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland.

Formed from Old Red Sandstone, it is one of the tallest stacks in Britain 46 Pins296.14k Followers Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary | VisitScotland Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary Islands Add to basket Remove from basket Plus Minus Add to trip planner Remove from trip planner Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary So, what awaits you in Orkney and Shetland? For starters, each has a distinctive culture, natural wonders and a number of fascinating geological sites. Lying off Scotland's north coast, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, these two archipelagos are rather special places indeed. Take a 12-day trip through this charming scattering of islands where you'll discover some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world, remarkable wildlife, ancient archaeological sites, pristine beaches and much more. Transport Travel around the Orkney Isles then head north to discover Shetland's best bits.

Highlights Geological wonders, museums, island towns and villages, heritage attractions, nature reserves, sea birds, ferry rides Areas Covered overview Orkney - Kirkwall & Stromness It's the first day of your adventure and it's going to be a good one! Get your bearings on Orkney Mainland, the largest of the islands in Orkney, and explore town, coastline and the famous Skara Brae. Miles Stop 4 Kirkwall Your journey starts in the Orcadian capital of Kirkwall . Immerse yourself in the island's fascinating history on a visit to its many historic sites including St Magnus Cathedral , a magnificent red sandstone building that dominates the skyline for miles around. Nearby you'll find the remains of Bishop's and Earl's Palaces . In spite of its architectural splendour, the Earl's Palace was actually the setting of one of the most infamous periods in Orkney's past when it was the stronghold of the despotic Stewart Earls. The ruined Bishop's Palace dates from the 12th century and is the site where Norwegian King Haakon the Old died following his defeat at the Battle of Largs in 1263. Find Out More Stromness Continue onwards to Stromness.

Stroll around the pretty town and pop into Stromness Museum to learn about Orkney's natural and maritime history. Feeling peckish? Then grab a bite to eat at one of the town's excellent cafés and bistros. Find Out More Yesnaby Follow the road north to the rugged coast at Yesnaby. Here you can gaze out at the remarkable rock formation of Yesnaby Castle, a two-legged sea stack popular with climbers. Bring along binoculars and see how many different kinds of bird species you can spot while enjoying a revitalising coastal walk. Yesnaby is also one of the few places where the rare and delicate flowering plant primula Scotica - more commonly known as Scottish primrose - grows. Visit in the summer when the clifftops are dotted with these vivid magenta flowers. Find Out More Skara Brae Time for one more stop before the day is over, and boy, it's a spectacular one! Visit Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in the world. Older than the Egyptian pyramids, the Neolithic settlement is located on the Bay of Skaill.

Uncovered by a sandstorm in 1850, it offers an unparalleled insight into how life was lived by Orkney's earliest inhabitants between 3200 and 2200 BC. overview The Heart of Neolithic Orkney Dedicate your second day in Orkney to unearthing the other archaeological treasures which form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might feel like you're Indiana Jones by the end of today! Miles Stop 3 Brough of Birsay Make your first stop the Brough of Birsay, the remnants of Pictish and Viking settlements which span the 7th to the 13th century. Here you'll find traces of Viking and even older Pictish homes, the remains of a Viking monastery, an 11th century sauna, and the cast of a Pictish standing stone with its engravings still visible (the original is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh). Find Out More Maeshowe Next pay a visit next to the atmospheric Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn and tomb.

Constructed around 5,000 years ago, it was originally broken into by Vikings in the mid 12th century who carved runic graffiti into the walls of the main chamber. Find Out More Ring of Brodgar Afterwards you can head to the magical Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic stone circle and one of the largest and best-preserved in the British Isles. As the sun begins to set, take a moment to ponder what purpose these mysterious stones served to Orkney's ancient inhabitants. Makes you think! overview Isle of Hoy Set off by ferry from Houton and head to the Isle of Hoy. Today you'll explore the second largest island in Orkney and enjoy its coastal delights. Miles Stop 2 Old Man of Hoy Once you've arrived in Hoy, you can drive to Rackwick Bay where you'll be met by some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Orkney has to offer. Enjoy a bracing walk to the Old Man of Hoy, a dramatic sea stack which is the tallest in Britain and considered one of the most challenging ascents in the UK by climbers. For detailed information about this walk, please visit the Walk Highlands website .

Find Out More Scapa Flow If time permits, and you still have enough energy, why not explore the southern end of Hoy? At Scapa Flow Visitor Centre & Museum you can discover the major role Orkney played during both World Wars when the natural harbour of Scapa Flow served as a vital base for the British Royal Navy. overview Lamb Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay Today you'll cross back to Orkney Mainland, before heading to other islands via the causeways known as the Churchill Barriers and getting a further insight into two very different eras of Orkney's history. Miles Sands of Wright, South Ronaldsay Explore Stop Stop 2 Italian Chapel From Kirkwall, head south to the island of Lamb Holm . Here you can visit the Italian Chapel, a highly ornate Catholic chapel which was constructed at the same time as the Churchill Barriers by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. Find Out More Tomb of the Eagles Head further south through Burray and South Ronaldsay to reach the Tomb of the Eagles. The fascinating site is a Neolithic chambered tomb which was first discovered by a local farmer.

Subsequent archaeological excavations have uncovered human skeletons alongside the bones and remains of white-tailed sea eagles and Stone Age artefacts. You can get inside the tomb by crawling through the narrow entrance. Once inside, the interior is surprisingly large, the distance from the floor to the roof measuring 3 m in height, with skylights providing illumination. overview Westray Take a ferry from Kirkwall to the Isle of Westray, where you can discover this island's natural beauty and unique heritage. Miles Stop 2 Westray Heritage Centre Westray is famed for being the site of the discovery of the Orkney Venus. Also known as the Westray Wife, it's a small Neolithic figurine which is the oldest representation of a human form ever found in Scotland, and the oldest depiction of a human face ever uncovered in the UK. At the Westray Heritage Centre in Pierowall , you can even pick up scrumptious shortbread biscuits in the shape of the Orkney Venus. Never has archaeology tasted so scrumptious! Find Out More Westray One of the first places in Orkney to be settled by the Vikings, Westray is small enough to explore by bike or car over the course of a day.

On the coastline, you might spot puffins or other seabirds. Pop into one of the island's art galleries and see artworks and crafts inspired by Westray's beautiful blend of coastline and landscape. overview Kirkwall It's been a busy few days in Orkney, but your last day on these islands has finally arrived. Before you set off for Shetland, explore more of Kirkwall's cultural offerings. Miles Stop 2 Arts and crafts Upon returning to Kirkwall, uncover more of Orkney's flourishing arts and crafts scene, where everything from jewellery to furniture is made. Explore the town's many galleries and shops and keep your eyes peeled for unique items. Find Out More Orkney Museum Spend some of your last hours in Orkney having a wander around the Orkney Museum. It's housed inside a beautifully restored merchant's residence that offers a fascinating insight into Orkney's rich archaeological heritage. Before you know it, it'll soon be time to catch the overnight ferry service to Shetland! overview Lerwick You are now 100 miles from the Scottish mainland on the most northerly of the British Isles!

Wake up and disembark from the ferry in Lerwick, the main port and bustling capital of Shetland. Spend today getting to know this harbour town and see its sights. Miles Stop 4 Shetland Museum and Archives Lerwick is a network of narrow lanes that lead out from the shop-lined Commercial Street. Victoria Pier is a hub of activity during the summer months with sailing races and regattas regularly taking place in the harbour, while the town centre hosts street markets and live concerts throughout the year. As well as a fantastic choice of cafés and shops, Lerwick boasts a number of must-see attractions including the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives which offers entry free of charge and brings to life the story of Shetland and its people. In the three-storey Boat Hall, admire beautiful vessels suspended from the ceiling. These have been crafted by locals using skills and techniques passed down through the centuries from their Viking forefathers. Once you've worked up an appetite, pop to Hay's Dock Café Restaurant. It serves simple yet delicious dishes prepared using the finest Shetland produce. Yum! Find Out More Clickimin Broch After enjoying a hearty lunch, it's time for some fresh air.

Make your way to Clickimin Broch, the remnants of an Iron Age defensive tower located just outside Lerwick. Find Out More Fort Charlotte If time allows, see a building from a much later period of history. In the heart of Lerwick you'll find Fort Charlotte, an 18th century five-sided artillery fort which was named after the wife of George III. Originally built to protect the Sound of Bressay from the Dutch, Fort Charlotte is now a training base of the Territorial Army. Find Out More Pubs and bars That was a pretty busy first day in Shetland - it's now time to unwind! Find a cosy watering hole in Lerwick where you can sit back and relax with a locally brewed ale. If you're lucky, you might even stumble upon a lively jam session held by local musicians. Shetland boasts a thriving local music scene and you'll find that many of its musicians gather in pubs and bars during the evenings. Stop 6 Shetland Crofthouse Museum Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s.

It offers a rare insight into a traditional way of life which has long since vanished. See the charming cottage with the carefully maintained thatched roof and smell the burning peat fire. It might be tempting to leave civilisation behind and move in! Find Out More Jarlshof Step even further back in time on a visit to Sumburgh Head to see the amazing Jarlshof, an expansive and ancient settlement that spans thousands of years. Here you'll find the remains of an Iron Age broch, Pictish wheelhouses, Norse dwellings, and a medieval farmstead, all located within close proximity to one another. Find Out More Old Scatness Broch Another amazingly well-preserved archaeological site is Old Scatness Broch, the remnants of an ancient village which lay buried for almost 2,000 years before being unearthed by archaeologists. Find out about the Neolithic, Pictish and Viking people who lived here at the site's excellent interpretive centre, and on guided tours which are available through the summer months.

Find Out More Sumburgh Head Visit the cliffs of Sumburgh Head to take in spectacular coastal views and witness the incredible sight of thousands of nesting seabirds including gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and puffins. Find Out More Mousa Broch You can take a boat out to see one of Europe's finest archaeological marvels. Standing at a height of more than 13 m, Mousa Broch is the most impressive and best preserved Iron Age tower in Scotland. After a short boat crossing from Sandwick, you can climb the narrow steps to the top of the broch and take in breathtaking views across Mousa Sound. If you take the boat trip in the evening, you might witness a thrilling natural spectacle, when swarms of storm petrels seek the cover of darkness and return to their nests inside the broch. Find Out More St Ninian's Isle Bring the day to a close with a walk along the white sands of St Ninian's Isle, the largest active sand tombolo in the UK. You might even fancy a paddle to refresh your feet; it's been a busy day, after all!

This is the location where a horde of silver Viking treasure was discovered hidden beneath the island's chapel in 1958. Stop 3 Scalloway Museum Visit the Scalloway Museum and discover the fascinating story of the Shetland Bus, the name given to a covert wartime operation. Conducted between the Royal Navy and the Norwegian Resistance, it involved Shetland fishing vessels helping to transport supplies, weapons and Allied agents out of Nazi-occupied Norway. Find Out More Scalloway Castle In the heart of Scalloway you can see the haunting ruins of Scalloway Castle, built in 1600 by the Earl Patrick Stewart. Find Out More Central Mainland Make your way to Whiteness and Weisdale, passing through the Tingwall Valley, where the Vikings are said to have held their annual parliament. Whiteness and Weisadale are popular walking spots. There's an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna, pretty bays and some of the loveliest views in all of Shetland. Stop 3 Tangwick Haa Museum Follow the road north to Hillswick, home to a small wildlife sanctuary for seals and otters, and onto Eshaness.

Here you can visit the Tangwick Haa Museum, a former laird's house which displays exhibits relating to the development of Northmavine and its people. Find Out More Eshaness Soak up the area's natural beauty on the picturesque circular walking route leading from Eshaness Lighthouse (now a self-catering holiday property) and discover some of Shetland's wildest and most breathtaking coastline. Find Out More Ronas Hill Alternatively, explore the exposed landscape of Ronas Hill to the north, keeping a look out for rare alpine plants such as alpine lady's mantle, spiked woodrush and mountain azalea. Ronas Hill is the highest point in Shetland - but at 450m above sea level, it makes a fairly pleasant hill walk. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with spectacular views across the whole of Shetland. Crowned with a Neolithic chambered cairn, on clear days you can sometimes see as far as the tip of the Fair Isle. Stop 5 Viking heritage on Unst Explore the excavated Viking longhouse sites of Unst.

Highlights of which include the reconstructed longhouse at Hamar and the nearby Skidbladner, an impressive replica Gokstad ship. Managed by the Shetland Amenity Trust, you can find out just what the digs revealed about the Norse Vikings who settled on the islands. Find Out More Unst Bus Shelter On your way to Haroldswicks, stop at Baltasound to see what is probably the most famous bus stop in the world! The bus shelter is carefully decorated each year with a different theme. It's pretty quirky and a real joy to discover. Find Out More Unst Heritage Centre The island has the distinction of being home to the highest number of Viking longhouse remnants in the world. At Unst Heritage Museum and Unst Boat Haven in Haroldswick, find out more about the archaeological digs and Shetland's maritime history. Find Out More Valhalla Brewery Pop into Valhalla Brewery in Haroldswick - it's the most northerly brewery in the British Isles. Get a tour to see where drinks such as White Wife, Sjolmet Stour and Island Bere are brewed and bottled.

Find Out More Hermaness Unst is a bit of a nature lover's paradise, and a visit to one of its beautiful National Nature Reserves is a must. Explore the sweeping hillsides of Keen of Hamar or at Hermaness, walk to the dramatic cliff and see thousands of breeding seabirds, such a puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars. Stop 3 Sands of Breckon In the very north of the island, you can discover the Sands of Breckon, where shell sand dunes are bordered by crystal clear waters and dune grass lands. Find Out More West Sandwick Alternatively, visit West Sandwick on Yell's western coastline, close to the villages of Shandwick and Balintore and enjoy a stroll along unspoilt white sands. Find Out More Old Haa At Burravore in the south of the island, discover the story of Yell's folklore and history at the Old Haa, a museum set in the house of a 17th century laird. You can also see artworks by local creative talents, or tuck into some home-baking in the tearoom.

Hoy & Graemsay | VisitScotland Hoy & Graemsay Islands Hoy is located to the south of the archipelago and with an area of 57 square miles it is the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy takes its name from the Old Norse 'haey', meaning 'High Island'. Visitors to the island will discover the island is steeped in history. There are a variety of fascinating sites dating from prehistoric times and the Viking period including the Dwarfie Stane, the only rock-cut chambered tomb in Britain. The richness of heritage is equalled by a treasure trove of natural history. The north and west are hilly and more 'Highland' in character while the south and east are low-lying and fertile, more typical of Orkney in general. High sea cliffs offer excellent walking and the west coast in particular abounds natural beauty. The dramatic summits of Ward Hill and the Cuilags stand in splendid contrast to the rest of Orkney and can be seen from almost anywhere on the Orcadian mainland. The island is also famous for its towering sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy.

Further along the coastline is St John’s Head, at 351 m high it is Britain’s tallest vertical cliff face. Please visit for more information on Hoy. With a charm of its own, Graemsay is also worth a visit, with almost no traffic to disturb the tranquillity. Enjoy walking across the beautiful sandy beach at Sandside and fantastic views out across Scapa Flow. Please visit for more information on Graemsay. Scotland - attractions and landmarks | Wondermondo Scotland Some of the landmarks of Scotland are well known internationally but nevertheless most people do not realise how rich and distinctive is the cultural and natural heritage of this country. Among the highlights of Scotland can be mentioned: Castles. If United Kingdom has some of the best castles in the world, Scotland has some of the best in United Kingdom. Much of the effect is created by the expressive scenery around the castles. Palaces. Scottish palaces (most of them modestly called - "houses") often are preserved in excellent state. They house very valuable art collections. Ancient settlements and megalithic monuments. Scotland is the home of the best preserved prehistoric architecture north from Alps. Cliffs and sea caves.

In many locations of Scotland the rugged cliff scenery creates harsh nordic mood of unique beauty. Natural landmarks Caves, cliffs and rock spires Conachair precipice - Na h-Eileanan Siar, Hirta Island in St. Kilda Islands. Up to 427 m tall precipice, rising up from the sea. Stac an Armin and Stac Lee - Na h-Eileanan Siar, St. Kilda Islands. Tallest sea stacks in Britain. Stac an Armin is 196 m tall, Stac Lee – 172 m high. Droppings of numerous Northern Gannets have turned these stacks white. Old Man of Hoy - Orkney Islands. 137 m tall, incredibly thin sea stack which may colapse soon. Fingal’s Cave - Argyll and Bute. Highly unusual sea cave, formed by basalt columns and overlaid with arched roof. Inside the cave can be experienced echo effect. Cave is 85 m long, up to 23 m high. Smoo Cave - Highland. Combined sea cave and stream cave, 83 m long.

At the sea it represents a very impressive, 15 m high and 40 m wide grotto. River enters the cave with a 20 m tall waterfall. The Bass Rock, East Lothian / Tom Jervis , Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Other natural landmarks Loch Ness monster – Nessie - Highland. Best known cryptid in the world albeit not too credible. Nessie is a supposed creature living in Loch Ness – large lake in Scottish Highlands. By many considered to be a surviving reptile similar to plesiosaurs. Attained world wide fame in 1933 although supposedly mentioned already in the 6th century AD. Numerous search expeditions with state of the art technologies have found some unexplained phenomena but there have been no convincing proofs for existance of Nessie. The Bass Rock - East Lothian. Small island, towering 107 m high and almost totally surrounded by steep cliffs. Island hosts the largest colony of gannets in the world – more than 150,000 birds. Due to the incredible number of white birds and their droppings the island looks white. Falls of Glomach - Highland.

113 m tall waterfall, one of the most impressive ones in United Kingdom. The Fortingall Yew - the oldest known yew (Taxus baccata). In the 18th century the tree had a girth of 17.2 m. Now two parts remain. Coast Douglas Fir in Laird's Grove - Argyll and Bute. Tallest tree in Britain, an coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). In September 2016 it was measured to be 68.4 m tall. Corrywreckan whirlpool - Argyll and Bute. Whirlpool, created by tidal currents in Corrywreckan straits between Jura and Scarba islands. Speed of current reaches 16 km/h. This rises waves up to 9 m high and the roar of whirlpool is heard even 16 km far away. Man made landmarks / Hugh Miller , Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Urban planning monuments Hirta medieval village - Na h-Eileanan Siar, Hirta Island in St. Kilda Islands. Unique monument of settlement planning where people adjusted their lives on a limited land area with harsh climate.

Edinburgh New Town - City of Edinburgh. Masterpiece of Neo-Classical urban planning and architecture, developed mainly in 1765 – 1850. This part of Edinburgh represents the philosophy of Enlightement. Contains numerous valuable monuments of Neo-Classicism architecture, such as Bute House, Dundas House, Regent Terrace. Edinburgh Old Town - City of Edinburgh. This part of Edinburgh has retained medieval street network and numerous old buildings. Contains numerous underground passages, very narrow streets. Edinburgh Castle rises above the city, adding special charm. Many buildings are very tall for their time. New Lanark - South Lanarkshire. Industrial village, developed by David Dale – cotton mill owner in 1786. His son-in-law Robert Owen planned the village in such a way as to make the life of workers as happy as it is possible. Village consists of rows of communal houses and public institutions – school and others. Portree Quayside - Highland. Picturesque rows of colourful houses between the sea and cliffs. Castle Stalker, Argyll and Bute / Torcello Trio , Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 Castles Balmoral Castle - Aberdeenshire.

Favourite summer residence of Brittish royal family. Construction of estate started in 1390, mainly built in the 15th century. Royal family extended it in 1856. Caerlaverock Castle - Dumfries and Galloway. Very impressive castle built in the 1270s. The massive triangular castle is surrounded by large moat. Abandoned since 1640, but well preserved. Dunnottar Castle - Aberdeenshire. Ruins of medieval castle in dramatic location – secluded, 50 m tall cliff at the sea. Ruins are remnants of structures built in the 13th – 17th centuries, but fortress built here well before. First mentioned already in 681 AD. Dunvegan Castle - Highland. Medieval castle, seat of MacLeods for 800 years. Oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Castle houses important relics of MacLeod clan, some with purported magical properties, like Fairy Flag. Edinburgh Castle - City of Edinburgh. Dominating element of Edinburgh City, hilltop castle fortress.

Royal castle located here since the 12th century, built in many phases over the 12th – 16th century and later. Historically very important complex of buildings. Eilean Donan Castle - Highland. Beautiful medieval castle on an island in the lake, connected to the mainland over stone bridge from the early 20th century. Originally built in the 13th century to defend from Vikings. Demolished in 1719, restored in 1919 – 1932. Very picturesque structure. Glamis Castle - Angus. Ancient, legendary castle, inhabited by lords of Glamis since 1372 (although existing before). Exquisite plasterwork ceilings in several rooms. Place, where William Shakespeare’s play Makbeth takes place. Unusual and weird stories about this castle, like story about Monster of Glamis – a crippled child kept in the castle away from other people. Smailholm Tower - Scottish Borders. Structure from the 15th - 16th century – a tower house near the English borders. Represents a spectacular monument due to its dramatic location on mountaintop. Four floors, walls are up to 2.4 m thick.

Castle Stalker - Argyll and Bute. Massive four-storey keep – tower on a tidal islet on Loch Laich. One of the most picturesque Scottish castles, also preserved in authentic state. Small fort built roughly in 1320, present structure – around the 1440s. Abandoned in the 1840s but repaired already in 1908. Stirling Castle - Stirling. One of largest and most important castles in Scotland, located on clifftop. For most part built in the 15th – 16th centuries, although mentioned already in 1110. Nowadays the architecture of this well preserved castle represents a valuable example of Renaissance archtiecture in this region. Important monument is the beautiful Renaissance Great Hall, built in 1497 and Royal Palace – one of the greatest Renaissance style buildings in Great Britain, adorned with intricate stone carvings. Tantallon Castle - East Lothian. Impressive ruins of medieval fortress, towering above steep sea coast. Cosntructed in the middle of the 14th century, in ruins since 1651.

Unusual structure, basically consisting of a single, over 15 m tall and 90 m long wall, delimiting a narrow promontory. This old structure together with rough sea and coastal cliff landscape provides very impressive sights. Stories and images of ghosts. Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire / Wikimedia Commons , user StaraBlazkova / CC BY-SA 3.0 Palaces Cairness House - Aberdeenshire. Magnificent country house, built between 1791 – 1797, one of the finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Britain. One of the rare calendar houses of the world, with planning representing calendar numbers, includes also many masonic and pagan symbols. Culzean Castle - South Ayrshire. Enormous house, which was built in 1777 – 1792 in the site of former castle. Below the castle are sea caves. Stories about ghosts. Duff House - Aberdeenshire. One of the most exquisite Georgian country houses in Britain, built in 1735 – 1740. The beautiful rooms now house art gallery. Dumfries House - East Ayrshire.

Country house in Palladian style, built in the 1750s. Well preserved, even most of furniture is original. House has very valuable Chippendale furniture. Falkland Palace - Fife. Former royal palace of Scottish Kings. Castle already existed when it was acquired by Scottish Crown. Transformed into beautiful Renaissance palace in 1501 – 1541. Holyrood Palace - City of Edinburgh. Official residence of the monarch of Scotland since the 15th century. Current palace built in 1498 – 1501. Many valuable interior items, museum (Queen’s Gallery). Hopetoun House - West Lothian. Suburban redidence – enormous stately home. Built in 1699 – 1701, largely extended in 1721 – 1748. Magnificent interiors. Mount Stuart House - Argyll and Bute. Large and ornate country house in Neo-Gothic style. Originally built in 1719, rebuilt after 1877. The very first house with heated pool inside and the first house in Scotland to be lit by electricity. Paxton House - Scottish Borders.

Beautiful country house, built in 1758 – 1766, with beautiful interiors and Chippendale furniture. Contains fine art gallery with European paintings. Taymouth Castle - Perth and Kinross. Large country house built in the site of earlier Balloch Castle. Present country house is built in the early 19th century in Neo-Gothic style. Sumptuous interiors with numerous valuable artworks. Churches and monasteries Glasgow Cathedral - Glasgow City. Beautiful example of Scottish Gothic architecture. Constructed in the 13th – 15th century and, happily, survived Reformation without much damage. Beautiful pulpitum – richly carved stone screen between choir and nave as well as many other details. Glasgow Queen’s Cross Church - Glasgow City. The only church designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and built in 1898 – 1899. The simple, harmonious design represents early Art Nouoveau style. Iona Abbey - Argyll and Bute. Once one of the largest religious centres in Western Europe, established in 563 and serving as a centre for the spread of Western Christianity.

48 kings of different Western European countries are thought to be buried here. Kirkwall St. Magnus Cathedral - Orkney Islands. Northernmost cathedral in the British isles, excellent example of Norman architecture. Construction started in 1137, built over 300 years. Dungeon – prison under the church. Rosslyn Chapel - Midlothian. Construction of this extremely ornate and symbolically rich chapel started in 1456. Recently gained unexpected popularity due to speculative theories regarding Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. St Margaret’s Chapel - City of Edinburgh. Oldest existing building in Edinburgh, example of Romanesque architecture. Built in 1124, with well preserved interior. Small structure – inside only 3 m wide and 4,87 m long. Skara Brae, Orkney Islands / yellowbook , Flickr / CC BY 2.0 . Ancient settlements Jarlshof - Shetland Islands. Ancient settlement made of dry stone without mortar. Development started in 2500 BC, in Bronze Age, when several oval houses were built. Supplemented with broch and defensive wall in Iron Age, remnants of Pictish times.

Notable additions left in Viking times (longhouse) and finally – medieval times, when fortified manor house was built here. Knap of Howar - Orkney Islands, Papa Westray island. The oldest preserved house in Northern Europe, one of the best preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe, occupied in 3500 – 3100 BC. Similar to the more famous Skara Brae but older. Consists of two dry stone houses. Broch of Mousa - Shetland Islands. The best example of broch – prehistoric dry stone tower, great achievement of ancient constructors. Possibly the best preserved prehistoric structure in Europe, built around 100 BC. Conical tower is 13 m high, has preserved intramural stair. Ness of Brodgar - Orkney Islands. Important Neolithic settlement with interesting finds which show how people lived here 3500 BC and later. Found remnants of houses, which were painted in bright colors, pottery, tools. Remnants of some 100 m long stone wall – possible border between nearby sacred sites and village. Found also temple like structure. Skara Brae - Orkney Islands.

Mainland Orkney. Impressive, extremely well preserved Neolithic settlement. Occupied in 3180 BC – 2500 BC. Remaining ten stone houses. Callanish Standing Stones, Outer Hebrides / Kristi Herbert , Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Ancient burials and megaliths Aberlemno Standing Stones - Angus. Group of five Early Medieval Pictish stones. Most ancient seems to be Aberlemno 1 stone – Serpent Stone – with carved serpent and prehistoric cupmarks. Valuable monument is Aberlemno 2 – intricately shaped cross-slab with Pictish and Christian symbols from the mid-9th century AD. Back side shows nine figures which seem to represent a battle scheme. Ring of Brodgar - Orkney Islands. Circle of standing stones inside of a henge. Developed around 2500 – 2000 BC. Northernmost circle henge in Britain. Diameter of stone circle is 104 m – the third largest in British isles. Callanish Standing Stones - Na h-Eileanan Siar (Outer Hebrides).

One of the most impressive arrangements of standing stones, roughly from 2900 – 2600 BC. Dwarfie Stane - Orkney Islands. Hoy Island. Unique monument – chambered tomb carved in single block of sandstone. Possibly the only sample of Neolithic rock cut structures in Britain. Maeshowe - Orkney Islands. Mainland Orkney. Enormous Neolithic cairn and passage grave. Represents a grass covered, 7.3 m high and 35 m wide mound with a ditch around it. Inside the mound are passages and grave built of stone slabs weighing up to 30 t. Rear wall in the central chamber is illuminated in winter solstice. Built before 3000 BC. Contains numerous runic inscriptions left by Vikings. Standing Stones of Stenness - Orkney Islands. Mainland Orkney. Group of prehistoric standing stones. Central structure is a ring of thin stone slabs – only 4 of the original 12 stone slabs still are standing. Around this ring there is cut a ditch in the rock – up to 2 m deep. Most likely developed around 3000 BC.

Unstan Chambered Cairn - Orkney Islands. Large Neolithic chambered cairn of unusual type, built between 3400 and 2800 BC. Very well preserved, original roof replaced with modern concrete roof. Type locality of Unstan pottery – shallow, elegant bowls. Parks and gardens Edzell Castle Gardens - Angus. Walled garden, laid in 1604 – 1610. Such Renaissance garden with intricate reliev carvings is unique in Scotland. The design of this garden is linked to medieval esotheric teachings. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - City of Edinburgh. Old botanical garden, established in 1670. Very rich plant collections from all over the world, one of the richest herbariums of the world. Forth Bridge, City of Edinburgh / George Gastin, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Bridges Brig o’ Balgownie - Aberdeen City. Medieval stone bridge with a single Gothic arc, one of the oldest in Scotland. Built in the late 13th century – 1320. Rises 17 m above the stream, arch is 12 m wide.

Forth Bridge - City of Edinburgh. Landmark structure – cantilever railway bridge, built in 1890. The first steel bridge in Britain. The bridge would be high achievement also today – it is 2.5 km long and rises up to 46 m above the water. Four cantilevers are 100.6 m tall. Museums Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Glasgow City. One of the great art collections of Europe, housed in a beautiful Spanish Neo-Baroque building, constructed in 1901. Most visited museum in United Kingdom outside London. Art galleries include numerous valuable works of Italian Renaissance, French Impressionists, Dutch Renaissance. National Gallery of Scotland - City of Edinburgh. National art gallery of Scotland, houed in outstanding Neo-Classical building. Constructed in 1859. Includes also artwork by renowned artists from other parts of world, including Da Vinci, Van Dyck, Tiepolo, Botticelli, Gauguin, El Greco, van Gogh and many others.

Wallace Monument, Stirling / Wikimedia Commons , user Finaly McWalter / CC BY-SA 3.0 Other man made landmarks Antonine Wall, Rough Castle Fort - Falkirk. Antonine Wall crosses whole Scotland. This is stone and turf wall built by Romans around 142 – 154 AD. Remnants of this 63 km long wall are not very prominent, but initially were 3 m high and 5 m wide. There were built 19 forts along it, the best preserved is Rough Castle Fort. Glasgow School of Art building - Glasgow City. One of iconic Art Nouveau style buildings, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and built in 1899 – 1909. Glasgow University’s main building - Glasgow City. One of the greatest representatives of Neo-Gothic style worldwide. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, built in 1870. Holmwood House - Glasgow City. Elaborate Neo-Classical villa, designed by Alexander Thomson. Constructed in 1857 – 1858. It is possible that this building served as inspiration to the modern architecture of the 20th century.

Wallace Monument - Stirling. Beautiful, 67 metres tall sandstone tower rising above the trees. Built to commemorate national Scottish hero William Wallace. List of described attractions by council areas Scotland consists of 32 council areas. Aberdeen City Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays Details Day One to Three – Orkney Travel to Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, with the crossing taking just 90 minutes. Your hotel is in the island’s capital, Kirkwall. Your hotel on Orkney The owners have put tremendous effort into transforming this hotel, located on the outskirts of Kirkwall. A genuine feel pervades the hotel, which is traditionally furnished, offering you the chance to find out just how comfortable Orkney chairs really are. Fast building a reputation as a destination for locals, the restaurant boasts menus packed with local produce. Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of North Ronaldsay sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns, succulent salmon and delicious stir-fried squid. And you just must pop round to see the neighbours – the world famous Highland Park distillery is right next door.

What to see and do on Orkney Orkney offers world class archaeology as well as superb land and seascapes. There’s simply so much to see it’s difficult to choose. Our suggested itinerary would be to start at Orphir, with its beautifully proportioned round church and “Orkneyinga” Viking history interpretation centre. From here head to the West coast and Skara Brae, one of the most impressive stone age monuments in the western world. Drive north to the Earl’s Palace at Birsay; should time allow, travel round the coast to Evie and the broch of Gurness. Return south to Maes Howe, and finally through the Ring of Brodgar and the standing stones of Stenness. Another day you might head south to South Ronaldsay – now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the mainland. Don’t miss the incredible example of human dedication – the Italian Chapel and the Tomb of the Eagles, one of the most impressive privately owned historic monuments in the country. If you prefer, travel by Orkney Ferries to one of the smaller islands such as Hoy, Papa Westray, Westray, Rousay, Stronsay, Sanday or Shapinsay.

Hoy, Orkney’s second largest island, is mountainous and worth visiting for its famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy. At Westray, visit the ruined Noltland Castle and the Knowe o’ Burristae Broch. If you’re interested in the archaeology of Orkney, Rousay boasts one of the finest sites, with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Days Three/Four – To Shetland Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. Your hotel on Shetland The original, historic building dates from the 1500’s and has benefited from many tasteful additions throughout the centuries. Low ceilings, winding corridors, steep steps and sloping floors all add to the characterful ambiance of the place which, rumour has it, includes its very own ghost. Guests comment on the friendly welcome and traditional service they have received here, and the hotel even has royal connections. The Queen of England once took afternoon tea in the library.

Less regal guests can enjoy meals in the hotel bar or restaurant, both of which offer high quality, locally-sourced produce. Day Five – Noss Boat Trip This afternoon you will enjoy a unique and spectacular wildlife experience. Thousands of birds nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve, and seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Your guides on board will share their in depth knowledge aboard the vessel which is equipped with colour viewing screens and a submersible ROV mounted camera that shows the stunning variety of life beneath the waves. What to see & do on Shetland Time to explore. Visit some of Shetland’s rural villages as well as seeing the superb coastal scenery for which Shetland is famous, with an option to travel on to the islands of Unst and Yell. Another day’s plan could include the famous historic site at Jarlshof, to the stunning beaches at St Ninian’s Isle, and via a short ferry journey to Britain’s tallest Broch at Mousa. Enjoy the serenity of the birds and seals, Mousa’s only inhabitants! Day Six/Seven – Return Home Time to return home.

Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. Location Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands and hiring a car on each island. Pricing £890 per person for March & October, £925 per person for April, May, June & September, £945 per person for July & August. Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room for this 6 night holiday and includes breakfast in both hotels, ferry crossings from Scrabster to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings.

We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland, and an Historic Scotland Explorer Pass covering entrance to their managed sites on Orkney, including Skara Brae and Maes Howe, and to Jarlshof on Shetland. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either of the two islands, we’d be delighted to assist. Please contact us for more details. All our touring holidays include a map with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

Reviews Exceeded our expectations…put together with care and insight. We followed many of the recommendations and were not disappointed. Gillian & Leslie, St Helens, England Hotels and guides were all excellent. Charles & Jennifer, Middlesex, England I love that I can call a number and reach someone at any time. Overall the holiday was never to be forgotten. David & Vivien, Ontario, Canada

Question: Located in the Orkney Islands, which sea stack is the third tallest in Britain?
Answer: Old Man of Hoy